Air Fryer Cranberry Turkey Balls

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that combine unique flavors with modern cooking techniques. That’s why I fell in love with these Air Fryer Cranberry Turkey Balls. They’re a delightful mix of savory ground turkey, sweet cranberry, and aromatic herbs, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a weeknight dinner, or just craving a tasty snack, these turkey balls are a crowd-pleaser.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. The air fryer gives these turkey balls a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The cranberry adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried appetizers, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Ground turkey: The star of this recipe, ground turkey is lean, flavorful, and a healthier alternative to ground beef. It’s perfect for forming into balls and cooks beautifully in the air fryer.

Dried cranberries: These little bursts of sweetness add a delightful contrast to the savory turkey. They also bring a festive touch, making this dish perfect for holiday gatherings.

Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the turkey balls together and give them a nice texture. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.

Egg: The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the turkey balls hold their shape during cooking.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a punch of flavor that complements the turkey and cranberries perfectly.

Fresh parsley: This herb brings a fresh, vibrant flavor to the dish. It also adds a pop of color, making the turkey balls look as good as they taste.

Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients and bring everything together.

Olive oil: A light brushing of olive oil helps the turkey balls achieve a golden, crispy exterior in the air fryer.

Ingredients List

1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

How to Make Air Fryer Cranberry Turkey Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them as needed. Finely chop the dried cranberries and parsley, and mince the garlic. This ensures everything mixes evenly into the turkey mixture.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped cranberries, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Form the Turkey Balls

Using a tablespoon or a small scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it into evenly sized balls. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps the turkey balls cook more evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.

Step 5: Cook the Turkey Balls

Lightly brush the turkey balls with olive oil to help them brown. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each ball. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the turkey balls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a larger meal.

Tips for Making This Recipe

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley make a big difference in flavor compared to dried alternatives.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing the turkey mixture can make the balls dense. Mix just until everything is combined.
Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the turkey balls reaches 165°F (74°C).
Experiment with sauces: These turkey balls pair well with cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli.
Make ahead: You can prepare the turkey balls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are too tart and firm for this recipe. Dried cranberries provide the right balance of sweetness and texture.

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes! Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.

Can I freeze the uncooked turkey balls?
Absolutely! Place the uncooked balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with these turkey balls?
They’re great as an appetizer, but you can also serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy making and savoring these Air Fryer Cranberry Turkey Balls—they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!